The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries damage this system, and the result is often physical impairment in the form of paralysis.

Since 2000, motor vehicle crashes account for nearly 50 percent of all reported SCI cases, according to the Spinal Cord Injury Information Network. The second most common cause are acts of violence – primarily gunshot wounds – and third are recreational sporting activities.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually caused by a traumatic blow to the head, neck, or back that fractures or dislocates the vertebrate. Each year in the United States, more than 11,000 people suffer from a spinal cord injury, and there are currently about 250,000 people in the United States living with a spinal cord injury.

When the spinal cord is damaged, it usually results in some loss of sensation and motor control, because the spinal cord is really a thick length of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain down the back, through the spinal column. The nerve tissue is protected by a column of bones, called vertebrae. An impact to the spinal cord causes the vertebrae to fracture or compress, which in turn crushes the extensive nerve cells (axons) that carry signals along the spinal cord between the brain and the body.

In most cases, trauma to the spinal cord causes permanent disability or loss of movement (paralysis) and sensation below the site of the injury. The impact of an SCI is both physical and emotional. Many people who live with spinal cord injury have secondary complications including pain, respiratory and heart problems, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pressure sores, respiratory complications, urinary tract infections, spasticity and scoliosis. Monetary compensation can help spinal cord injury victims and their families meet the challenges of the future with less worry about medical bills, employment and rehabilitation.

The offices of Brett & Coats have identified the following types of SCIs that may entitle you to compensation:

• Paralysis
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Broken back
• Spinal fracture
• Disk herniation
• Spinal cord compression
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Quadriplegia and paraplegia are medical terms that indicate the type of paralysis suffered by those with a spinal cord injury. Paralysis, or loss of movement and sensation, can be complete or incomplete with a spinal cord injury. The complete/incomplete classification indicates how much movement and feeling is left in the affected areas after initial recovery. Less than 1 percent of those hospitalized with a spinal cord injury completely recover. The major of those with spinal cord injuries have incomplete quadriplegia, followed by complete paraplegia, complete quadriplegia, and incomplete paraplegia.

Caring for those who have survived a spinal cord injury is often a life long endeavor. Treating a patient with a spinal cord injury often involves a team of medical professionals dedicated to every aspect of a patient’s well being. The injury can cause more than physical harm; it can impact the victims’ family, finances and future. Monetary compensation can help spinal cord injury victims and their families meet the challenges of the future with less worry about medical bills, employment and rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another’s negligent actions, it is important to consult with an attorney who understands this type of injury and is experienced in handling these sensitive cases. Brett & Coats is proud to represent the innocent victims of spinal cord injury and to hold those who inflicted harm accountable for their actions.

At Brett & Coats, our attorneys give proactive attention to the needs of each client. We help by coordinating medical payments, organizing documentation and supporting each client through the sometimes difficult claims process. Since insurance companies know our firm's determination to litigate cases when a settlement offer is inadequate, we are usually able to resolve personal injury claims through negotiation. Call the attorneys at Brett & Coats PLLC today at 1-800-925-1875 or contact us via our online form.

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